Obituary of William Sylvester Ayers

William Sylvester Ayers, known by his family and friends as “Bill” was born in Saint Joseph, Louisiana to William and Marjorie Ayers on July 28, 1933.

Shortly after, the family moved to Dermot, Arkansas where his mother became a teacher and his father a successful cotton farmer.

Bill and his five siblings were taught that hard work and an education were the steppingstones of life. After high school Bill furthered his education at Arkansas State University at Pine Bluff. After the completion of his formal education he enlisted in the Army, it was during this time that he met and fell in love with Alma Jewel Gray, a young woman from Dallas, Texas.

Bill and Alma moved to Germany where they married. After their return to the States Bill ended his military career and became a scientist/chemical engineer for the Western Oil Company in Dallas.

In 1971 their daughter Jerlene became the third member of their loving little family. Bills oil and gas career led the family to Wyoming, Montana, and N. Dakota where Bill ran his own oil and gas supervision company.

After his adventures in the West ended the family moved back to Dallas where Bill worked until his retirement with the United States Postal Service. Bill was a member of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas where he and the family worshiped, found fellowship, and long-lasting friendships.

Bill loved his family, working hard, teaching others, and God.

Bill is survived by his wife Alma J. Ayers, daughter Jerlene Haywood, grandchildren Megan Ayers, Tori Forte, Madison Turley and spouse Sam Turley, Chandler Haywood and spouse Kyleigh Haywood, and his younger Cleona Simmons. He also leaves behind five great grandchildren Reagan, Cameron, Jaydon, Izora, Arlo, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.